April 2010

The Wash House Continues
The skid deck, framing and roof went up without incident - all limbs still intact! Dino did have a little hammering competition with a Pileated Woodpecker that was doing a little de-construction of his own. Dino's building knowlege is vertually zero but fortunately he can read, and The Ultimate Guide To Barns, Sheds and Outbuildings got him through the basics of framing, electrical and plumbing; a great asset for anyone starting out in basic construction as a DIYer.

Under the deck is the drainage for grey water, a drain pipe takes it underground to a safe soak pit.

The first tin sheet gets installed for the roof

This Pileated Woodpecker went about it's business just feet from the work zone.

Worked continued throughout April on the wash house and progress was steady. Apart from the wall studs the construction is nearly all cedar, supplied from a local mill in South Slocan, Gold Island Forest Products. The windows are from a local salvage company repaired and repainted in red. We opted for a non flushing composting toilet to reduce water usage and the need to install black water disposal.

Dairy Goats - do we or don't we...
We had always thought there would be a few dairy goats in our menagerie, so the first step is to go and meet some. We hooked up with Gabby and Dave who have a small herd (it was supposed to be 2 goats, but 2 goats often lead to a small herd...)of Nubian Dairy Goats, easily recognized by their rather generously proportioned, pendulous ears. There were new kids about - so if you want your heart strings tugged - this is the place!!!

Gabby and Dave with some of their herd.

Dino and the Kid

Mobbed by the Kids.

The Bruces

We've really enjoyed having the 'Maggies' clucking about, so we thought we would add another dozen chicks to the mix. We got them as one day olds, and they have been named the 'Bruces' but don't be fooled they are in fact layers (girls) and don't bear any resemblance to our good friend Bruce. They seem to be growing hourly and have been moved to bigger and bigger digs - pretty soon they'll be able to join the Maggies out in the coop.

Our friend Bruce with a Bruce.

The Bruces at one day old.

The Bruces getting a bit crowded.

Bigger accommodation for the fast growing Bruces.

An Early Start in the Garden

We're pretty new to gardening, especially in a self-sufficiency kinda way. Our roof top garden in Vancouver's crop yield was generally about 3 anemic looking tomatoes per season so with all this land and manure we're hoping for better results. The organic seed potatoes I ordered have come in, so with our neighbours rototiller in hand off we go! My mom, Vera, has also got inspired with cleaning up around the property

Dino Rototilling.

Getting ready to plant that Potato

Renata planting the first potato.

Vera doing a happy gardening dance...

Cat Update

With all the news about the barnyard critters I thought I should give the cats a little 'air' time. Trout continues life as the Country Cabin Squire looking resplendent on my granny square throw. Missy Phat Phat being a rescue kitty has made up for lost time in the eating department - she enjoys herself and despite her girth has turned out to be a pretty good mouser!

Trout relaxing in his pod.

Missy being, well Missy.

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